Oil for the Lamps of China

Stephen Chase joins the Atlantis Oil Company and is posted to a remote outpost in rural China run by 'No. 1 Boss.' He arrives full of ambition to prove that modern methods can transform the region. The outpost's isolation and the looming power struggles set the stage for the drama to come.

Stephen travels to Yokohama to marry his fiancée, only to find a telegram stating she is unwilling to live in such a backward country. The rejection forces him to rethink his plans and look for a new path. The moment marks a clash between his personal desires and the realities of the world he is trying to change.

In Yokohama, Stephen strikes up a conversation with Hester Adams, who has come to see China with her father. Her father dies during the voyage, complicating her prospects. Their growing connection hints at a new alliance that could shape Stephen's future.

Stephen proposes to Hester, explaining that their marriage would be a partnership to modernize China, and she is impressed by his vision. She accepts the proposal and they quickly develop a deep bond. The engagement marks a turning point as they begin to fall in love.

When the old boss is transferred to a lesser position, he commits suicide rather than face the insult. A new boss, J. T. McCarger, takes over and assigns Stephen to an even more isolated post near Siberia. Stephen reluctantly agrees, since Hester is pregnant and the stakes are personal.

Stephen heads to the Siberian post and makes the painful decision to tackle a dangerous oil fire rather than stay to help deliver their baby. Upon his return, he learns that their child has died, creating a painful rift with Hester. The tragedy tests both their marriage and his faith in the company.

Stephen is promoted to a large city in the south and forms a close circle with Don and Alice Wellman. Don, who despises Chinese, threatens to ruin key contracts if he is not fired. Stephen ultimately lets Don go, and Don's replacement is McCarger.

During a drought and a cholera outbreak, Stephen ruthlessly collects payments from customers, earning the best record of any Atlantis branch. His efficiency earns praise but strains relationships with clients and colleagues. This period marks the apex of his relentless professionalism.

As communists seize the city, an officer demands the gold in the safe. Stephen bargains to evacuate the staff to a ship, promising to surrender the gold later, while hoping Ho, a well-connected Chinese client, can influence the outcome. The moment tests his resolve under danger.

Ho arrives to help but is shot dead by soldiers. Stephen and McCarger seize the gold and escape through the back door. McCarger is killed, Stephen is wounded, and a passing boat rescues him and the gold.

In the hospital, the new head of the Orient for the company offers Stephen a post as his assistant, but Stephen resists a plan to force modern business practices on a traditional China. He argues that, despite appearances, the 'new' China remains governed by old habits. He recovers from his injuries only to learn his job has been given to another man and that he is confined to menial tasks.

Hester confronts Stephen's boss and reveals that Stephen holds the patent for a lamp used by the company's products. The disclosure demonstrates his value and strengthens his position within the company. The revelation underscores that his future hinges on keeping Atlantis engaged.

A call from the Atlantis president interrupts the attempts to push Stephen out and renews his faith in the organization. The intervention signals continued support for Stephen and his long-term role. This turn reshapes his outlook for the future.

With the president's intervention, Stephen's faith in the company is reaffirmed as he considers his role in modernizing a China still governed by older traditions. He must weigh the costs for his family and the company as they move forward. The story closes with a renewed sense of purpose and cautious optimism.